The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with polycystic kidney disease (PCKD) has shown to be higher compared to the general population [1, 4].

1. Annals of Clinical andMedical
Case Reports Clinical Image
Abnormal Renal Mass in Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease: A
Diagnostic Dilemm
Patel SK, Truitt J, Saadatmand J and Connelly T
Department of Surgery, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA, USA
2. Key words
Polycystic kidney disease;
Renal cell carcinoma; Renal
biopsy; Renal cyst infection
1. Clinical Key Message
The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with polycystic kidney disease (PCKD) has
shown to be higher compared to the general population [1, 4]. However the incidence of RCC in
young individuals (<40 years old) is extremely rare compared to older patients (>40 years old) with
the genetic disease. A far more common complication of PCKD is renal cyst infections [1]. The clinical
presentation is often ambiguous and radiological imaging can lead to misdiagnosis. A biopsy of the
lesion is required for definitive diagnosis and targeted treatment.
3. Case
A 24-year-oldAfrican American man with history of polycystic
kidney disease, autism and schizophrenia was admitted to our
hospital for nausea, vomiting and one episode of mild hematuria
for 1 week. Hewas afebrile at presentation. Urinalysis was negative.
There was no leukocytosis on admission. His renal function tests
were within normal limits. CT scan (with contrast) of the abdomen
was acquired showing innumerable bilateral renal cysts (Figure 1).
One of which measured 4.5 x 5.2 cm as a heterogeneous mass with
epicenter in the superior pole of the left kidney showing extension
into renal hilum. This was most concerning for RCC.
The patients was discharged after overnight resolution of hematuria
with fluids and scheduled for outpatient follow up CT (with
contrast) scan and biopsy. Two months later the patient followed
up with urology. At the time, he was afebrile and did not report any
symptoms. Prior to biopsy, re-imaging of the cyst demonstrated
decrease in size from 4.5 x 5.2 cm to 2.5 x 2.8cm. On re-evaluation
by the urologist, the decrease in size of the cyst warranted further
monitoring. The biopsy was postponed to monitor the cyst size.
The patient continued to follow up with urology and 6 months later
biopsy resulted was negative for RCC.
4. Discussion
Renal cyst infection is a common complication in patients with
PCKD. Presentation tends to include abdominal pain and fever,
however some patients are asymptomatic [2]. A diagnosis of cyst
infection includes positive culture of cyst fluid and/or presence
of neutrophil debris2
. In a clinical setting, adefinitive diagnosis
is difficult to obtain, physicians mostly rely on clinical features
(abdomen pain, fever, hematuria, and positive urine cultures) [3].
Although imaging is obtained, it rarely is reliable. One study found
ultrasound, CT and MRI failed to detect cyst infections on average
of 78% [2]. PET (positron emission tomography) was found to be
the most reliable method of detecting infection within renal cysts
[2]. Infected cysts account for significant morbidity in PCKD;
there fore biopsy is necessary for identification of the infection [3].
Renal cyst infections are largely due to ascending infection caused
by gram-negative bacteria (most commonly E. coli). The standard
of care is treatment with antimicrobials such as fluroquinolones
and third generation cephalosporin [3]. Larger cysts (>5cm) may
require surgical drainage in addition to antibiotics[3].
*Corresponding Author (s): Sonya Patel, Department of Surgery, Memorial Health University
Medical Center, Savannah, GA, USA, E-mail: sonyakanti@me.com
http://www.acmcasereport.com/
Citation:PatelSK, AbnormalRenalMass inAdult Polycystic KidneyDisease:ADiagnosticDilemma Annal
of Clinical and Medical Case Reports. 2019; 1(4): 1-2.
Volume 2 Issue 4- 2019
Received Date: 06 Dec 2019
Accepted Date: 28 Dec 2019
Published Date: 02 Jan 2019

2. Volume 2 Issue4 -2019 Clinical Image
Therole ofbiopsyisconsisting determined bythesizeofrenal mass.
Surgical data demonstrates evaluation of renal mass that deceases
in size is more likely benign than malignant. Therefore biopsy may
be postponed in selected patients in order for “watchful waiting”
[5]. High clinical suspicion is necessary in patients with PCKD
presenting with abnormal renal mass for adequate management.
Figure1.CTofabdomenwithoutcontrastexhibits4.5x5.2cmheterogeneous
mass with epicenter in the superior pole of the left kidney with extension
into renal hilum.
Figure 2. Follow up CT with contrast displays decrease in cyst size to
2.5 x 2.8 cm.
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Soonawala D, et al. Drenth On Behalf Of The Dipak Consortium JPH.
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Russo P, et al. Renal Cell Carcinoma in Young and Old Patients: Is there a
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cer Imaging. 9(1): 44-45.
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